Calories in Brie Cheese: Nutritional facts for Brie Cheese Types

A 100g serving of brie cheese contains 334 calories. A 100g serving of soft-ripened brie cheese contains 357 calories. A 100g serving of double cream brie cheese contains 375 calories.

One kilogram (1000g) of brie cheese contains 3340 calories. One kilogram (1000g) of soft-ripened brie cheese contains 3570 calories. One kilogram (1000g) of double cream brie cheese contains 3750 calories.

The number of brie calories per ounce (28.4g) is 95. One ounce (28.4g) of soft-ripened brie cheese contains 101 calories. One ounce (28.4g) of double cream brie cheese contains 106 calories.

Consumption of brie cheese is associated with several health advantages, supported by research. The health benefits of brie cheese and overall brie cheese benefits are detailed below:

• Supports Bone Health: Brie cheese is a source of calcium and phosphorus, minerals essential for developing and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Adequate intake of these nutrients is critical for achieving optimal peak bone mass and may reduce the risk of osteoporosis later in life. (Fardellone, L., 2013, Calcium and bone health)
• Provides High-Quality Protein: Brie contains a significant amount of protein, which is necessary for building and repairing tissues, muscle growth, and the production of enzymes and hormones. As an animal-based protein, it provides all the essential amino acids the body needs. (Gille, D., & Schmid, A., 2015, Vitamin B12 in meat and dairy products)
• Aids in Gut Health: As a fermented food, brie cheese can contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support a healthy gut microbiome. A balanced microbiome is linked to improved digestion, enhanced immune function, and overall wellness. (Marco, M. L., et al., 2017, Health benefits of fermented foods: microbiota and beyond)
• Contains Important Vitamins and Minerals: Brie is a good source of vitamin B12, which is crucial for nervous system function and the formation of red blood cells. It also provides vitamin A, which supports vision and immune health, and selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage. (Thorning, T. K., et al., 2017, Whole dairy matrix or single nutrients in assessment of health effects: current evidence and knowledge gaps)

Brie cheese is safe for most people in culinary amounts, but some considerations exist. These potential aspects are outlined below:

• High in Saturated Fat: Brie is high in saturated fat, and high intake of saturated fat is a consideration for cardiovascular health. Individuals monitoring their fat intake should consume brie in moderation. An alternative with a lower fat profile is light brie. A daily suggested amount is a one-ounce (28g) serving. (Astrup, A., et al., 2020, Saturated Fats and Health: A Reassessment and Proposal for Food-Based Recommendations: JACC State-of-the-Art Review)
• High Sodium Content: Brie cheese contains a significant amount of sodium, which is added during the cheesemaking process for flavor and preservation. High sodium intake can contribute to high blood pressure in salt-sensitive individuals. An alternative with lower sodium is fresh mozzarella or Swiss cheese. The daily suggested amount should be limited to small portions to stay within recommended sodium limits. (He, F. J., & MacGregor, G. A., 2010, Reducing population salt intake worldwide: from evidence to implementation)
• Risk of Listeria Contamination: Soft cheeses like brie, especially those made from unpasteurized milk, carry a risk of contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium can cause a serious infection called listeriosis, which is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. An alternative is to choose brie that is clearly labeled as being made from pasteurized milk. The daily suggested amount of unpasteurized brie for at-risk individuals is none. (CDC, Listeria (Listeriosis))

Yes, brie cheese is good for consumption in moderation because the food provides high-quality protein, calcium, and beneficial vitamins like B12. For heart health, the unique matrix of nutrients in cheese may have a neutral or even protective effect, one study found that a fatty acid present in dairy was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality (de Oliveira Otto, M. C., et al., 2018, Serial measures of circulating biomarkers of dairy fat and total and cause-specific mortality in older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study). For digestive health, the fermentation process used to make brie can introduce beneficial probiotics that support a healthy gut microbiome, a concept supported by research on fermented foods (Marco, M. L., et al., 2017, Health benefits of fermented foods: microbiota and beyond). Regarding bone health, the combination of calcium and phosphorus in brie aids the maintenance of strong bones, a benefit outlined in research on the importance of dietary calcium (Fardellone, L., 2013, Calcium and bone health).

Yes, Brie cheese can be a component of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation because the food is a source of valuable nutrients, including protein for muscle maintenance, calcium for bone health, and vitamin B12 for nerve function. The health impact of full-fat dairy products like brie is complex, as some studies suggest the "cheese matrix" causes nutrients to be absorbed differently than when consumed in isolation (Thorning, T. K., et al., 2017, Whole dairy matrix or single nutrients in assessment of health effects: current evidence and knowledge gaps). Another study found an association between cheese consumption and a reduced risk of certain cardiovascular events (Chen, L., et al., 2022, Cheese Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies). Dairy products are also a key source of bioavailable vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient for the body (Gille, D., & Schmid, A., 2015, Vitamin B12 in meat and dairy products). A balanced approach requires portion control to manage the high calorie, saturated fat, and sodium content.

Yes, Brie cheese as part of a heart-healthy diet when eaten in small portions is good because recent large-scale studies have challenged the idea that all full-fat dairy is detrimental to heart health. One meta-analysis found that dairy consumption was not associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Guo, J., et al., 2017, Milk and dairy consumption and risk of cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality: dose–response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies). A separate study discovered that a fatty acid from dairy was linked to a lower risk of stroke mortality (de Oliveira Otto, M. C., et al., 2018, Serial measures of circulating biomarkers of dairy fat and total and cause-specific mortality in older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study). Another meta-analysis also reported a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease with moderate cheese consumption (Chen, L., et al., 2022, Cheese Consumption and Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies). The high sodium content in brie remains a key consideration, as high sodium intake is a well-established risk factor for high blood pressure, making moderation crucial.

During a weight loss plan, the best time to eat brie cheese is as part of a balanced meal or a planned snack where the food's high satiety value can be most effective. The protein and fat in brie help to slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness, which can prevent overeating later in the day, a concept supported by research on the satiety index of common foods (Holt, S. H., et al., 1995, A satiety index of common foods). Research also suggests that including full-fat dairy does not necessarily lead to weight gain. One review found that high-fat dairy consumption was not consistently associated with obesity (Kratz, M., et al., 2013, The relationship between high-fat dairy consumption and obesity, cardiovascular, and metabolic disease). Spreading protein intake throughout the day, which could include a serving of brie, has also been shown to be beneficial for muscle synthesis during weight loss (Mamerow, M. M., et al., 2014, Dietary Protein Distribution Positively Influences 24-h Muscle Protein Synthesis in Healthy Adults).

The calorie content of brie cheese changes based on its fat content, which is determined by the type of milk used and the addition of cream. Standard brie made from whole milk contains approximately 334 calories per 100g. The lowest calorie brie is Light Brie, which is made with lower-fat milk and contains around 250 calories per 100g. Traditional French bries like Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun fall in a moderate range of 288 to 315 calories. The highest calorie brie types are Double and Triple Crème Brie, which are enriched with heavy cream during production. This added fat brings their calorie count to between 350 and 400 calories per 100g, making them the most energy-dense varieties.

No, the macronutrient profile of brie cheese does not change when melted. The quantities of protein, fat, and carbohydrates remain the same because melting is a physical change, not a chemical one that would alter the cheese's fundamental composition. Heating cheese does not destroy protein, fat, or carbs. What does occur is a separation of fat. The milk fat in the cheese may "oil off" and become liquid. If this separated oil is not consumed with the cheese, the portion eaten would have a lower fat content than the original solid piece. The macronutrient values of the cheese are constant. Research on the effects of heat on dairy proteins confirms stability at cooking temperatures. A study on the thermal processing of milk shows that while whey proteins can denature, casein, the main protein in cheese, is remarkably heat-stable (Fox, P. F., & McSweeney, P. L. H., 1996, The influence of heat treatment on the protein system in milk). Another study examining cheese properties during heating notes that the main changes are physical, such as fat coalescence and changes in texture, rather than a loss of macronutrients (Gunasekaran, S., & Ak, M. M., 2002, Cheese Rheology and Texture).

Brie cheese originates from the historical Brie region of France, which corresponds to the modern-day department of Seine-et-Marne. The cheese's history dates back centuries, with some accounts suggesting a form of brie was enjoyed as early as the 8th century by Emperor Charlemagne. The cheese's reputation grew throughout the Middle Ages. The cheese became a favorite of French royalty and a valuable commodity paid as a tribute to kings. The two most famous varieties, Brie de Meaux and Brie de Melun, received protected designation of origin (AOP) status to preserve traditional production methods using raw cow's milk. Brie's international fame was cemented in 1815 at the Congress of Vienna, where a competition was held to determine the world's best cheese. The French diplomat Talleyrand presented Brie de Meaux, which was unanimously declared the "Roi des Fromages" (King of Cheeses). This legacy secured the cheese's place in global cuisine. The mild, creamy nature of brie made the cheese a perfect candidate for dishes like baked brie, a preparation that became popular in American cuisine in the latter half of the 20th century.